Breast cancer occurs almost exclusively in women. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Symptoms may affect both the breast and underarm areas near the breast and include changes in size or shape, lumps or thickening, nipple changes or discharge, and pitting, ridging, swelling, reddening or scaling of the breast tissue. Treatments have improved and understanding has increased in recent years, but as of 2009 the root cause of breast cancer had not yet been identified.
Step 1
Educate yourself. Start by asking your doctor for specific details about your cancer diagnosis: What type, stage and hormone receptor status is it? Next, research possible treatments. Start with the American Cancer Society, the Network of Strength and BreastCancer.org. Don't forget to include both conventional and alternative healing methods in your research; this is the time to consider all options, and choose the one that is most attractive to you.
Step 2
Network with others. You need an outlet for your feelings. Friends, family, clergy or other spiritual mentors and professional counselors are all good resources, as are online or in-person support groups that you may find through groups such as the American Cancer Society or the Network of Strength.
Step 3
Think ahead. Make a list of things you may want help with--anything from walking the dog to helping cook meals or shopping. When people offer to help, say yes, and either suggest something from your list or have them pick. Don't be afraid to add to the list as time goes on or to ask for help when you need it; often friends or family will be grateful that there's something they can do for you.
Step 4
Make your own well-being your highest priority. Commonsense measures such as getting enough sleep, exercising when you feel able to, taking up a new hobby (something you've always wanted to do, perhaps?) and pursuing activities you already enjoy may help increase your sense of well-being.
Step 5
Pursue a healthy diet. This includes eliminating any foods you may be allergic or sensitive to, eating less refined food including white bread, pasta and sugar, eating lots of fruits and vegetables plus dark green leafy and cruciferous vegetables cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and collards), eliminating trans fatty acids from your diet and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
